This creative work initially appeared in Vol.2 of our August 2016 release titled Haunted Waters.
Emma Visser, Christa Dickson, RFD by Rachel Frank, and Jesse Luxe, created “Bold & Beautiful” in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Bold & Beautiful
Featuring Model Emma Visser
http://www.instagram.com/emmav1213
Photographed by Christa Dickson
http://www.facebook.com/christadicksonphotography
http://www.instagram.com/cdphotography517
Wardrobe designed by RFD by Rachel Frank
http://www.facebook.com/rfdbyrachelfrank
http://www.instagram.com/rfdrachelfrank
Hair & Makeup by Jesse Luxe
http://www.instagram.com/jesse_luxe
Created in Cincinnati, Ohio
Photographer, Christa Dickson was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has big dreams of using her love for water as a form of educating people about the underwater world.
Gothesque: How long have you been a photographer?
Christa Dickson: “I started playing with photography when I was in sixth grade. I didn’t decide to do it full time until about 4 years ago. Originally what made me start creating is that it was my only outlet. I was always ‘different’ and I wanted to create other-worldly pieces of work and, my only major outlet was through my camera. I still create today because I have the opportunity to work with people who are beautiful and passionate individuals. They are people who see eye-to-eye with me and my vision. They are able to help me create the things that I create in my mind and bring those creations to life. The people I work with are very much my constant inspiration.”
Gothesque: Who is a photographer that you look up to or are inspired by?
Christa Dickson: “Benjamin Von Wong & Kirsty Mitchell! They both create amazing, out of this world art and push towards their passions full force! I love that.”
Gothesque: What do you always make sure to take along with you to photoshoots?
Christa Dickson: “I generally bring my phone with me. The reason I do that is because I have a special Pandora playlist I like to play during every single session. I know that a lot of people play music during sessions, but it is an epic ice-breaker with clients that I have never met. It’s an awesome way to get everybody in the mood for a photoshoot and having fun!”
Gothesque: What is your advice to aspiring young photographers?
Christa Dickson: “You are the only person who can give the world what YOU can give them. Do not be afraid to be who you are. I know that in this industry, it can get hard and you can worry about the amount of likes on a page or the amount of people who like you or if you are 100% original. If you live your life, spread love & joy, and work towards what you want without allowing fear to stop you – you can be anything. Always work hard, always spread love, and believe in yourself above all things. :)”
Gothesque: You create very stylized shoots with intricately designed accessories and wardrobe. How do you come across such beautiful works of art?
Christa Dickson: “Over the last few years, I have managed to create a pretty long testimonial list of designers. When I come across a designer, or I see the work of a designer I really love (say when I’m scrolling through Facebook – which is where I get a LOT of them) I will send them that list. It really helps the designers feel like they can trust you. I would say if you want to find some epic designers to really do your research on Facebook & Etsy! They are out there!”
Gothesque: What is the most challenging thing about creating underwater portraits?
Christa Dickson: “Posing! The biggest challenge for underwater photography is being able to communicate most times successfully. It is also a very different type of photography and modeling, which requires you to be able to multi-task very well. It’s very hard to help a model who has never done underwater to pose and feel very comfortable doing it. We generally suggest people act like they are asleep and just move slowly until they are comfortable. Then we will go into more extreme poses. The other big issue is figuring out how to fix some complications that pop up such as fogging and flooding haha, those are pretty awful too.”
Gothesque: What do you do for fun in your free time?
Christa Dickson: “I have a nice group of creatives here in Cincinnati that all hang out together, so I am generally with them. We go to movies, hiking, canoeing, just mainly outdoor activities. We like to do things to clear our minds and continue to be inspired.” All I can find out from Facebook about you is that you have a dog. What is your pup’s name, how did they come to be in your life, and how long have you had them? Gothesque: “I have a nice group of creatives here in Cincinnati that all hang out together, so I am generally with them. We go to movies, hiking, canoeing, just mainly outdoor activities. We like to do things to clear our minds and continue to be inspired.”
Gothesque: What is your pup’s name, how did they come to be in your life, and how long have you had them?
Christa Dickson: “I do! Her name is Delilah. She was named after the song, ‘Hey there, Delilah.’ I have had her for about 2 years! She is my everything; I love her so much.
Gothesque: Do you believe in the Lochness Monster or mermaids?
Christa Dickson: “I firmly believe in both! I do a TON of mermaid session’s and I have always wanted to be a mermaid. Also, while I was in Scotland with a model friend we went hunting for Nessy, but we didn’t find her.”
Gothesque: Do you believe in ghosts? Have you ever experienced a haunting?
Christa Dickson: “Yes, I do believe in ghosts! I have experienced what I consider a haunting but a lot of people disagree haha. I think my dad’s closet is haunted! The lights in my dad’s closet goes on and off without explanation. There is nothing wrong with the circuits it just goes on and off. Also, if you try to flip the switch when it’s acting up – it will not turn back off! We have also on many occasions, had our vacuum turn on when it was not plugged in so— yeah. haha”
